Deschutes River Steelhead School Report:
Steelhead are known as some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish on the planet. The Deschutes river in central Oregon is home to some of the best summer Steelhead habitat in the United States where anglers from all over the world visit every fall targeting these famous andromous fish. WorldCast Anglers partnered with Deep Canyon Outfitters, 2014 Orvis Endorsed Expedition of the Year, for a magnificent and educational experience targeting summer Steelhead on a wonderful 4 day, 3 night camping journey down the heart of the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River canyon.
Draining the massive Cascade range in conjunction with a heavy spring creek flow influence, the Deschutes River canyon was carved millions of years ago through Oregon’s basalt plateau. This desert oasis and its legendary steelhead have solidified their place in angling culture. It truly is a amazingly beautiful and remote place. Big horn sheep, mule deer, ospreys, golden eagles, wild horses where all spotted on the multi-night river journey down the Deschutes River canyon. Uniquely, the law on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes prohibits fishing from any floating device. Yes, it sounds quite strange; however, this law upholds the integrity and diversity of fishing quality on the Deschutes River.
Based on the foundation of “No question is a dumb question,” Anglers enjoyed morning, evening and lunchtime time periods to ask questions and were encouraged to continually improve their spey casting techniques, knots and identifying water types that likely hold steelhead. WorldCast Anglers provided waterproof daily handouts and materials for reference throughout the trip as well as to start each angler’s library of steelhead fishing knowledge. The highly trained guides of Deep Canyon Outfitters taught each angler the dynamics and skills when targeting summer steelhead on the Deschutes River.
Anglers enjoyed Deep Canyon Outfitters comfortable and cozy river camp each night complete with hors d’oeuvres and appetizers upon arrival as well as a gourmet dinner and desserts. Dining under the stars gave anglers the time to relax, review the day and tell plenty of fish stories until it was time to turn in for bed. Breakfast was complete with hardy breakfast burritos and plenty of coffee to get anglers on the water at first light. Lunchtime gave anglers a time to rest of the morning fishing session and refuel for the afternoon and evening ahead.
We are proud to report that every angler came away from this experience a better angler with more knowledge and skills for targeting summer Steelhead and Trout. Steelhead fishing is no easy task and every one of our anglers did an incredible job. It was quite a wonderful experience for all; some anglers had never held a two handed – spey rod and others brought steelhead to hand on the very first day! If you are looking for numbers of fish, then this trip is not for you. However, if you are looking for an experience in targeting steelhead in a beautiful and remote place, complete with comfortable camping and dinning, while learning about the sport of fly fishing and continuing your journey of becoming a better angler – then this trip should be next on your bucket list! For more information about this school in 2016, please EMAIL US or call us at 800-654-0676.
